At least 2 dead as record rains and floods batter Queenslands for over a week, Australia
Severe flooding in Northern Queensland has left at least two people dead, with record-breaking rainfall exceeding 2 000 mm (80 inches) in some regions since the beginning of February 2025.
drone shot of Queensland floods Image credit: Queensland Ambulance service
- Severe flooding in Northern Queensland has left at least two people dead, with record-breaking rainfall exceeding 1 000 mm (39.4 inches) in many areas since the beginning of February.
- Multiple areas have recorded unprecedented rainfall, with Rollingstone receiving 1 549 mm (61 inches) and Paluma Ivy Cottage exceeding 2 000 mm (78.9 inches) in February.
- Up to 250 mm (9.8 inches) of additional rainfall is forecast for the weekend, with conditions expected to ease by Monday, February 10.
Northern Queensland has experienced severe flooding for over a week, resulting in at least two fatalities. Record-breaking rainfall has been reported across the state, with some areas receiving over 2 000 mm (80 inches) of rain since the beginning of February.
Multiple areas between Townsville and Cardwell have recorded their highest-ever monthly rainfall, with Rollingstone receiving 1 549 mm (61 inches), Bambaroo 1 328 mm (52.3 inches), and Halifax 1 277 mm (50.3 inches).
Some locations have already recorded their highest February rainfall totals, including 991.8 mm (39 inches) at Townsville Aero and 2 004.7 mm (78.9 inches) at Paluma Ivy Cottage.
Major flood warnings remain in effect for the Haughton, Cape, Burdekin, Herbert, Flinders, and Murray rivers.
The Burdekin Shire Council has issued an emergency alert, advising residents to move to higher ground due to major flooding in the Haughton River at Giru.
Heavy rainfall was recorded across the region from Friday into Saturday, February 7 to 8. In the 24 hours leading up to 09:00 local time (LT) on Saturday, South Townsville received the highest amount at 153 mm (6 inches), followed by Giru with 147 mm (5.8 inches) and Gainsford with 143 mm (5.6 inches).
Prairie recorded 134 mm (5.3 inches) during that period, while Haughton Bridge received 125 mm (4.9 inches). Minor to major flood warnings have been issued from Cairns to Rockhampton due to ongoing heavy rainfall.
The Herbert, Haughton, Cape, Upper Burdekin, Lower Burdekin, and Flinders rivers are currently experiencing major flooding.
The Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group has issued an emergency warning for flooding in Giru, advising residents to move to higher ground. The current flood level is 2.93 m (9.6 feet) and could rise to 3 m (9.8 feet).
The federal government has extended personal hardship payments to Charters Towers and additional areas of the Cassowary Coast as part of its latest financial assistance package for flood-affected regions.
The assistance includes grants of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for families of five or more to cover emergency essentials such as food, clothing, and medicine. Cook and Douglas councils are also now eligible for Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Up to 250 mm (9.8 inches) of rain is forecast for this weekend in flood-affected areas, including Townsville, Cardwell, and Ingham. Rainfall is expected to ease by Monday, February 10.
North Queensland has experienced continuous flooding for over a week. Additional State Emergency Service volunteers, police, and water rescue teams have been deployed to assist affected communities. Authorities are working to restore power and services in isolated areas.
References:
1 North Queensland facing more major flooding as government widens financial aid –9 news – February 8, 2025
2 Risk of dangerous flash flooding continues for soaked north Queensland- ABC News – February 8, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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